Situated on the Jellicoe Street strip with sparkling harbour views, the bar has been designed in a way that complements its main focus – beer. 

Explains Nic Hall, String Theory’s design director: “The design of interior fitout was not only chosen to evoke the materials used and the craftsmanship of brewing but the passion and care that goes into it as well.”

The design style for 16 TUN was around ‘crafting’ from raw materials such as timber, steel and copper used in the art of craft beer making, says Hall.

String Theory partnered with Jason Dempsey from Flathead Design who the company director says they trust completely to bring an idea to life, having already built their recycle-style workplace in the character space of an old laundry building in Grey Lynn. 

Dempsey brought his craftsmanship into the treatment of the timber walls for an authentic feel. And what couldn’t be sourced, he designed specifically for the space, such as the handcrafted steel booths, the lighting along the walls and the bathroom taps fashioned from copper pipes.

The interior also features copper around the bar and up the back wall that is intended as an inviting focal point, with its warm reflected light. 

16 TUN is owned and operated by Showcase Hospitality, and offers a wide array of locally crafted brews selected by aficionado and Operations Manager for Showcase Hospitality Ben Hartigan. Operating as a free house, 16 TUN stocks 100% homegrown brews. 

Showcase Hospitality CEO Richard McCabe says that despite the growing popularity of craft beer within the area, there was a sizeable gap in the Auckland market for a specialty craft beer house bar.

“We realised it wasn’t enough to offer quality craft ales and be independent from the main breweries.” 

Says Hall: “The team worked closely with Richard to create an authentic all-round experience for discerning craft beer drinkers – it was great to work with such a trusting client.”